Cigar machine



Nov. 8, 1938.

K. E. GRANS TEDT CIGAR MACHINE Filed Nov. 8, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet l lYlll Nov. 8, 1938. K. E. GRANSTEDT CIGAR MACHINE Filed Nov. 8, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Nov. 8, 1938 I UNITED STATES CIGAR MACHINE Karl Erik Granstedt, Stockholm, Sweden, assignor to Aktiebolaget Formator, Stockholm, Sweden, a corporation of Sweden Application November 8, 1934, Serial No. 752,142 In Sweden November 10, 1933 6' Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in cigar machines and more particularly cigar machines of the kind having one or several manually served parts having power members, such as, for

instance, a wrapper cutting mechanism or a bunch compressing device.

It is an object of my invention to provide a machine of the kind referred to with a perfectly operating safety device, for preventing accidents which are likely to occur at manually served parts of said machine. Though said safety device is intended to be utilized at different manually served parts of the machine, a wrapper cutting mechanism will be referred to hereinafter as exemplary, since the drawbacks affecting such mechanism are typical to those to be removed by the present invention.

Cutting mechanisms of a common type are provided with a cutting pad and a reciprocating cutting mechanism movable over said pad to cut out a wrapper from a tobacco leaf placed upon the cutting pad. After the cutting operation is finished the cut wrapper is transferred therefrom, whereafter the remaining leaf parts must be removed and another leaf or leaf part is placed upon the cutting pad. Themain part of the operations preceding and succeeding the cutting operation proper are executed manually. Thereby risks of accidents will arise. Moreover, the

operator being aware of this will hurry when applying the leaf to avoid any touching of the movable cutting members, and hence is not able to take proper care of work so that defective leaves may be placed on the cutting pad or the leaves may be applied in incorrect position. Similar inconveniences will arise also at other manually served parts of the machine, for instance at rotating moulding or compressing drums where the fingers of the operator may by inadvertence be injured.

It is a main object of my invention to remove the drawbacks above referred to.

Another object of my invention is' to provide a safety device operating accurately without touching the hands ofthe operator and even without the operator observing this until the machine has stopped, and thus without troubling the operator in any way.

With these. and other objects not specifically mentioned in view, the invention consists incertain constructions, combinations and parts which will be hereinafter fully described and then specifically set forth in the claims hereunto appended. 56 In the drawings, in which similar reference characters are used to designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, Fig. 1- is a plan view of part of ,a machine constructed in accordance with the invention; Fig. 2 is an end view of the machine viewed from line IIII of Fig. 1, parts thereof being removed; Fig. 3 is a front view of part of the machine; and Figs. 4 and 5 are different wiring diagrams.

Referring to the drawings, at the front side of the machine frame I is provided a cutting pad 3 having a curved cutting knife 2. The cutting pad is perforated and connected to a source of suction, not shown, and, moreover, it is movable up and down to deliver cut-out wrappers to a wrapper carrier, said arrangements being well known in the art and, therefore, further description thereof is in the interest of brevity omitted. A pair of cutting rollers 4 are rotatably mounted on a slide 5 movable along a guide 6 on the machine frame. To the slide 5 is pivotally connected a link I whichis, in turn, pivoted to a lever arm 8 which is pivotally journalled on a pin 35 fixed to the frame. A roller II on the arm 8 runs in a guide groove l2 of a cam disc 9 which is keyed toa shaft Ill. The shaft I0 is rotatably journalled in the frame and a cam 24 is fixed to said shaft. A pair of intermeshing bevel gears 34 are arranged at the inner end of the shaft l0 and one of said gears is integrally formed with the cam 24. On the inner extremity of the shaft I0 is mounted a clutch member l3 which is axially displaceable but not rotatable relative to said shaft. Between said clutch member and a ring 36 secured to shaft I0 is interposed a coiled spring 53 ,which urges the clutch member 13 against another clutch member l5 keyed to a continuously rotating driving shaft l4, coaxial with shaft ID. The bevel gears 34 drive a shaft 31 which is adapted to drive several operating mechanisms of the machine, e. g. the

wrapper carrier 26 and a wrapping mechanism to which said carrier transfers cut-out wrappers from the cutting pad 3. The wrapper carrier 26 is pivotally mounted in the machine frame and provided with an arm- 60 which is actuated by a cam 6i mounted on the shaft 31 so as to swing the wrapper carrier between the cutting pad. 3 and a cigar wrapping mechanism (not shown).

To actuate the clutch, a bell crank lever is pivoted on a pin IS in the frame. One arm 38 of said lever carries a roller 39 which runs in an annular groove 40 of the clutch member l3 and the other arm I! of the lever is pivoted to a link It. The link [8 is pivotally connected to a lever arm I! The lever arm i9 is pivoted on a pin 29 in the machine frame and its free end is integrally formed with a weight 2|. A magnet core 22 is slidably and pivotally connected to the arm l9 and enclosed by an electro-magnet 29.

Upon the cam 24 rests under the influence of a spring 4| a rod 29 slidably mounted in the frame below the weightdl. The shape of the curved portion of the cam 24 and the angular position of said cam relative to the cam disc 9 are such that the rod is against the pressing action of the spring 4| held in its uppermost position (Fig. 2) during the part of the cycle of operation of the machine that. follows upon the cutting-out of a wrapper until the cutting rollers 4 are to be advanced over the cutting pad 9.

In the proximity of the cutting pad 9 is mounted an incandescent lamp 21 and opposite to the lamp is mounted a photo-cell 29 so that rays of light emanating from the lamp will fall upon the light sensitive surface of the photo-cell.

It is provided that the photo-cell indicated in the diagram shown in Fig. 4 consist of the well known type, the resistance of which to electric currents increases according to the decreasing of the amount of light falling upon its light sensitive surface. The incandescent lamp and the photo-cell are connected to circuits, each of which is connected to a common main circuit. The circuit of the photo-cell includes a series resistance 29 and a relay 99 arranged to alternately close and break a main circuit to which is con-,

nected the electro-magnet 29.-

' The photo-cell indicated in Fig. 5 is of the well known type which generates a feeble current in a circuit when its light sensitive surface is illuminated. To said circuit, termed the Drimary circuit, is connected a sensitive relay 9| of well known structure which when its coil is energized will close a secondary circuit connected to the main circuit and including-a series resistance 92 and a relay 99 which is arranged to alternately break and close the main circuit. The electro-magnet 29 is connected to said main circuit. It is in this case provided by way of example that the rays of light are transmitted from the lamp to the photo-cell by the-intermediary of reflectors 9| and 92. Thereby it is possible to arrange the lamp and the photo-cell practically anywhere in the machine.

When using the wiring according to Fig. 4 the embodiment of the invention now described operates in the following manner:

When-the cutting mechanism occupies its initial position shown in Figs. 1 and 3 the lamp 2'! illuminates thesphoto-cell 29, the resistance of which is, therefore, so slight that the current of the circuit can influence the relay 99 to close the main circuit, thereby causing the electromagnet 29 to attract the core 22 which will couple the clutch I 9, l9. Then the cam 24 holds the rod 29 in its raised position. When the operator places a tobacco leaf on the cutting pad 9 her bands will interrupt the optical communication between the lamp 21 and the-photo-cell 29 and then the resistanceof the latter will increase so that the intensity of current inthe primary circuit is decreased to such a degree that the relay will break the main circuit and the coil of the electro-magnet is demagnetized. Then the magnet core 22cannot support the rod l9, but nevertheless the rod cannot fall down as the weight 2| rests on the rod 29. when the cycle of operation has proceeded so. far that the cutting mechanism is about to advancev the cam 24 will permit the spring 4| to move the rod 29 downwards. In case the operator should not then have withdrawn her hands the weight 2i forces the arm I! and link l9 downwards, the bell crank lever will release the coupling I9, l9, the cutting mechanism is not advanced and the mechanisms driven by the shaft 91 are arrested. If, however, the operator retracts her hands before the beginning of the critical period now mentioned the electro-magnet will immediately be magnetized and it is able to retain the arm l9 in its upper position, i. e. the clutch l9, l9 remains coupled irrespective of the fact that the rod 29 does not support the weight 2|.. This is effected thereby that the optical communication between the lamp 2! and the photo-cell 29 isrestored in due time, the resistance of the photo-cell is considerably decreased, and' the primary current influences 'the relay 99 to close the main circuit. Should.

however,'the operator by inadvertence hold her hands so close by the cutting mechanism already in operation that her hands might be injured the optical communication will instantly be interrupted and the clutch i 9, l9 released. After the cutting operation has been finished. there will no longer be any risk of accidents. Then the rod 29 is automatically forced upwards by the can: to support the weight 21 and consequently the cutting-out of the main circuit which will necessarily occur at the next tobacco leaf applying will not cause the clutch to be released and thus the other mechanism of the machine will still operate. The locking effect of the rod 29 is maintaineduntil the cycle of operation is finished and the critical period above mentioned is to commence anew. f

The abutting mechanismactuating the arm l9 may possibly be replaced-by a mechanism directly actuating a circuit, for instance the main circuit as indicated in Fig. 4, according to which the cam 24 is adapted to periodically move the rod 29 to positively cause the relay 99 to close the main circuit. Said closing takes place at the same periods of the operating cycle as if the rod 29 had to actuate the weight 2|.

when using the wiring diagram according to Fig. 5, the cutting mechanism, the clutch, the mechanical looking or abutting device, and the electro-magnet operate exactly in the same manner as previously described, whereas'the opera-. tions of the circuits are somewhat diilerent. The main circuit is maintained closed by the relay 99 when the secondary circuit is maintained closed, which is the case when the sensitive relay 9| is actuated by the current carrying Primary circuit. Said primary circuit is current carrying when the lamp 21 illuminates the photo-cell 29, which when afletcte'd by rays of light generates a feeble curren Though I have now described embodiments of the invention relating to a wrapper cutting device, it should be observed that my invention is also applicable to other manually operated parts of the machine, such as, for instance, bunch compressors. Such bunch compressors are, for instance, described. inmy United States Patent No. 1,982,292, dated November 27,, 1934. The bunch compressingdrum 42, shown in 151g. 1. has a plurality of peripheral Dockets 49 into which the bunches are inserted manuaily'by the operator. The drum 42 is flxed to the shaft 99 which is rotatably Journalled in the machine frame and carries an eccentric 94 embraced by a strap 44 which latter is connected to a rod 49 pivoted to the arm 49. Stepwiserotary movement is ima Genevawheel G4,for driving said mechanisms in timed relationformed integrally with a die 50 which is recessed in accordance with the shape of the bunches to be compressed. The incandescent lamp 21 and the photo-cell 28 are arranged to emanate and receive, respectively, rays of light passing over the die 50- in the proximity of the drum 42. The shape and angular position of the eccentric 43 on the shaft III are such relative to the cam (Fig. 2) that ifthe optical communication between the lamp and the photo-cell is interrupted when the die 50 is about to advance into a pocket 43 the rod 25 (Fig. 2) will permit the arm 19 to fall down and the machine is stopped.-

Consequently, if the hands of the operator are,

for driving said mechanisms in timedrelation ship to perform repeated successive operations in which the die tool moves to and from said die, means for arresting said joint driving means,

control means including a light-sensitive device and a source of light for controlling said arresting means according to whether the light sensitive device is shielded from the source of light by a human hand in the proximity of said die,

and automatic means including a latch member operative in timed relation to said joint driving means to hold said arresting means out of operation while the tool that coacts with said die is sufiiciently removed from said die to allow safe manual access to said die so that the cycle of operations of the machine continues while the light sensitive means is shielded until the die tool is about to approach dangerously close to the die.

2. In a cigar machine, a wrapper cutting die, a wrapper cutter, a mechanism for moving said wrapper cutter across said wrapper cutting die, a leaf carrier, mechanism for moving said leaf carrier into and out of position above said wrapper cutting die, a joint means for driving said mechanisms in timed relationship to perform repeated successive operations, in which the cutter moves to and from the die, means for arresting said joint driving means, control means including a light sensitive device and a source of light for controlling said arresting means according to whether said light sensitive means is shielded from said source of light by a human hand in the proximity of said wrapper cutting die, and automatic means including a latch member operative in timed relation to said joint driving means to hold said arresting means out of opera -tion when the wrapper cutter is suificiently removed from the cutting die to allow safe manual access to said die so that the cycle of operations ship to perform repeated successive operations, in which the bunch compressing tool moves to and from the die, means for arresting said driving means,- control means including a light-sensitive device and a source of light for controlling. said arresting means according to whether the light sensitive means is shielded from said source of light by a human hand in the proximity of said die, and automatic means including a latch member operative in timed relation to said joint driving means to hold said arresting means out of operation when said compressing tool is sufiiciently removed from said die to allow safe man-.

ual access to said die so that the cycle of operations of the machine continues while the light sensitive means is shielded until the die tool is about to approach dangerously close to the die.

4. In' a cigar machine, a die, a mechanism having a tool which is adapted to coact with said die, another mechanism having a tool, 'a joint means for driving said mechanisms in timed relationship to perform repeated successive operations, said driving means including, a clutch, clutch releasing means, control means including a light sensitive device and a source of light for controlling said clutch releasing means according to whether the light sensitive means is shielded from said source of light by a human hand in the proximity of said die, a latch member,

and automatic means operative in timed relation to said joint driving means for intermittently moving said latch member to hold said clutch releasing means out of operation when the tool that cooperates with said die is sufiiciently removed from said die to allow safe manual access to said die so that the cycle of operations of the machine continues while the light sensitive means is shielded until the die tool is about to approach dangerously'close to the die.

5. In a cigar machine, a die, a mechanism having a tool adapted to coact with said die, another mechanism having a tool, a joint means for driving said mechanisms in timed relationship to perform repeated successive operations in which the die tool moves to and from said die, said driving means including a clutch, an electric circuit, electromagnetic means connected in said circuit for controlling said clutch, means, including a light sensitive device and a source of light, for controlling the said electromagnetic means according to whether the light sensitive means is shielded from said source of light by a human hand in the proximity of said die, and automatic means including a. latch member operative in timed relation to said joint driving means for intermittently holding said control means out of operation when the tool that coacts with said die is sufliciently removed from said die to allow safe manual access to said die so that the cycle of operations of the machine continues while the light sensitive means is shielded until the die tool is about to approach dangerously close to the die.

6. In afcigar machine, a die, a mechanism having a tool adapted to coact with said die, another mechanism having a. tool, a; joint means operating means, an electric circuit, electromagnetic means connected in said circuit for controlling said clutch operating means, a switch in said circuit for controlling said electromag- 'netic' means, means, including a light sensitive her to hold said control means out of operation device anda source of light, for controlling said when the tool that coacts with said die is willswitch to control said electromagnetic means to cciently removed from said die to allow safe mancontrol said clutch operating means when the ual access to said die so that the cycle of oplight sensitive means is shielded from said source erations of the machine continues while the light 5 of light bya human hand in the proximityci sensitive means is' shielded until the die tool is said die, a latch member, and automatic means about to approach dangerously close to the die.

operative in timed relation to said joint driving 4 means for intermittently moving said latch mem- KARL ERIK GRANBTKUI. 

